Bel Air, Maryland – The man accused of shooting and killing a transgender woman outside her apartment in December is now facing harsher charges and will be held without bail, court records show. Brian Delen, 47, is now charged with first-degree murder in addition to second-degree murder, assault, and firearms-related charges in the alleged killing of 57-year-old Meghan Riley Lewis.
Initially released on GPS monitoring following a bail hearing, Delen’s release sparked public outrage. However, according to court records dated January 31, he will now be held without bond. Friends, neighbors, and advocates of Meghan Lewis expressed satisfaction with the ruling, but also questioned why it didn’t happen sooner.
Lewis was shot and killed in the parking lot of her Bel Air apartment complex on December 27 by Delen, who misgendered her and called her “sir” as he delivered food, according to charging documents. After an argument, Delen allegedly shot Lewis as he attempted to drive away, and then engaged in an altercation with her, ultimately shooting her.
Delen called 911 after the shooting and used his own first aid kit to render aid, claiming self-defense, according to his public defender. Lewis, who was unarmed, was later pronounced dead at the scene. The LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Baltimore Safe Haven, held multiple rallies to protest Delen’s release, emphasizing the importance of standing in solidarity with the transgender community.
Prosecutors are currently working with local law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and determine any possible hate crime charges. Friends of Lewis described her as a loving and compassionate individual who always put others first, highlighting her contributions to the trans community in Baltimore.